The vaccine passport is no longer requested in big box stores, SAQs and SQDCs since Wednesday morning, a relief for those who have been trying to obtain an exemption for months without success and who will return to a more normal life in mid- March.
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As of March 14, Pascal Bastarache will be able to do activities, see a movie and eat at a restaurant with his family. This will be the first time since the arrival of the vaccine passport in the province.
“I think even the kids won’t realize it. It’s been a long time since we’ve been able to do this little outing, ”he explained.
Since September, the Shawiniganais has been trying to obtain a vaccine exemption. Fifteen years ago, he found himself paralyzed from head to toe and hospitalized for months, following a reaction similar to Guillain-Barré syndrome. Vaccines would have been the cause of his reactions.
“It’s a mixture of stress, frustration also that the policy comes to decide such important things for individuals”, commented Mr. Bastarache, who continues the steps to meet a neurologist.
The relief only seems temporary because fears linger. The vaccine passport could be reinstated in the event of a sixth wave and even the Minister of Health suggested keeping the QR code in the cell phone.
“It is a constant stress that there is a sixth wave and that I am refused the exemption,” said Caroline Grondin, who is in a situation similar to that of Mr. Bastarache.
La Trifluvienne has already received two doses of vaccine, but the last one had significant adverse effects on Ms. Grondin. For her safety, she said it is contraindicated to get a booster dose.
She asked that the College of Physicians look into the subject. “We know it [que le problème existe]now we have to speak with the authorities so that we can exempt people.”
Easier to travel with family
Even if the vaccination passport remains compulsory for travellers, they will be able to benefit from a series of reductions at the borders from February 28. Many families call the Voyages Arc-en-ciel agency, since unvaccinated children under 12 will no longer have to isolate themselves.
“As Spring Break approaches, there are a lot of families waiting to see what the measures are going to be for the last of February and the first of March,” reported the vice-president of Voyages Arc-en. -sky, Justin Bordeleau.
A family trip is now easier to organize.
What also arouses interest is that the rapid test done in the laboratory will now be accepted to return to the country. “An antigen test is roughly half the price of a PCR test. So, for people who travel, for example, with children, there again, it’s a great saving, ”assured Mr. Bordeleau.
The recommendation to avoid non-essential travel will also be lifted. “It comes to give a good conscience to our travelers”, he added.
These announcements are encouraging for the travel industry, which is trying to recover from the last two years of the pandemic. Business is gradually picking up, going from about 10% to almost 25% of turnover.
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Reference-www.journaldemontreal.com